Athlete of the Week: Christian Cox, Aberdeen, Baseball

June 14, 2007|By Ryan Deal, American News Sports Writer

Christian Cox of the Aberdeen 15-16 Teener Smittys baseball team recently pitched a no-hitter. The 15-year-old struck out 10 Fairmont, Minn., batters in the consolation championship game of the Mitchell VFW Teener Tournament. The Teeners won the game, 10-0. For his efforts, Cox has been chosen as the American News Athlete of the Week. “I got in and my arm was feeling good,” said Cox, who pitched a complete game. “I had a feeling that it would be a good day. I have to compliment my teammates for cheering me on throughout the game and making good plays in the field.” Teeners coach John Krogstrand said he was impressed with the pitching performance. “That game was really one of the best games I have seen him throw,” Krogstrand said. “He had really good velocity on his fastball. He was really hitting the spots well. He walked a couple of guys here and there, but even when he missed, it was right there. He was able to control his fastball for strikes, too.” Cox also had two hits in the game. “On the Teener level, if you can throw two pitches for strikes I think you are going to be really successful,” Krogstrand said. “This was a pretty good ball club and he look really impressive on the mound. He got ahead of hitters on the count and was able to do what he wanted as far as dictating the at-bat.” The Teeners are off to a good start. “We are doing well,” Cox said about the team. “We had one not too good game where we did not hit the ball very well. We have some good hitters on the team. I think we will do good this year.” Cox, who will be a freshman next year at Aberdeen Roncalli, plays center field when he is not pitching. Cox said playing the outfield position is his strength on the baseball field because, “I have good speed and I can judge a ball off the bat pretty well.” Personal Family: Parents, Doug and Peggy Cox; brothers Dalton (12), Colton (9). Favorite athlete: Brendon Hoellein of the Aberdeen 15-16 Smittys. Favorite team: Kansas City Chiefs. Other sports: Track & field, football and basketball. Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and playing sports. Favorite professional pitcher: “Roger Clemens because he has been around a while and has had a good career and is probably going to go to the Hall of Fame.” Most memorable athletic accomplishment: “Winning the National Fitness Authority competition (a competition of fitness activities such as push-ups and sit-ups, and jump rope.)